hi-lows, pro and con

[ateichert]

Any downside to installing hi-lows on a 61 countryman?
Thanks Mike

[Peter Laidler]

Why the need?

[OzOAP]

Any downside to installing hi-lows on a 61 countryman?
Thanks Mike

Non.

[Spider]

I wouldn't hesitate fitting them in the fronts, however I've seen loads of problems putting them in the back, from bending the extension bars, the bars splitting to broken trailing arm pins (which comes about when you loose track of just how long you have them), so in the back, I'd say ~ yes ~ but with some caution. If you are putting any weight in the back of the Countryman, then I'd say no.

[ateichert]

Thanks for the info. I just found out I have 2 different trumets on the rear. One is a bit longer than other aprox. 1/8' Also the "bells" are different diameters.

[1071 S]

Hi Mike, I’ve had no issues with the (Rippspeed) HiLos fitted to my 65 Traveller (for the last 30 years:). The early ones are a b%^$$#r to fit to a LWB as there’s no way of using the “in line” adjusting Allen key.... but there are ways.

The only caution I would advise is to make sure the unit stays in compression at full droop. As the load (when properly fitted) is straight down the centreline of the strut I can’t see how the problems Spider notes could occur. I’ve had a LOT of weight in the back of mine at times and not suffered any ill effects. However, if the suspension is set too low and becomes loose at full droop, then bits can fall out of their seats and when the load comes back on the misaligned parts ...then you have side loads that can damage things.

I would not discount Peter’s comment though. I have not adjusted mine in many (many:) years. As you have an established set up, its probably cheaper (and just as effective) to get a set of matching struts, measure your current ride heights and add (washers) or subtract (shave/file) the new struts to the length of the old ones + or - any required ride height change.

Cheers, Ian

[Fanfaniracing]

I have mounted these Bumpstops at the rear Subframes to prevent the Trumpets at the rear to fall out of position.

http://minispares.com/product/Classic/S ... o%20search

642E72A4-8982-43AB-872E-757A722BBAB0.jpeg

[1071 S]

Bumpstops usually limit suspension travel in compression ... the dampers normally control the droop limit..... which is the critical issue.

Unless you are using the bumpstops upside down in some novel way???? Would be interesting to see.

Cheers, Ian

[Spider]

Thanks for the info. I just found out I have 2 different trumets on the rear. One is a bit longer than other aprox. 1/8' Also the "bells" are different diameters.

Saloons have a shorter rear trumpet with a (roughly) 80 mm flange. All others have a 1/8" long trumpet with a (roughly) 90 mm flange. Apart from raising the rear height by 5/8", the bigger flange gives a stiffer rate but only when the cone gets more compressed.

,,,,,, As the load (when properly fitted) is straight down the centreline of the strut I can’t see how the problems Spider notes could occur. I’ve had a LOT of weight in the back of mine at times and not suffered any ill effects.

I can only relay on not just my own experiences but that of many others.

Cracked Extension Bar (granted, not 'genuine' Ripspeed units but it highlights the stresses here)



Bent Extension Bar



Here's a couple with the ends neatly sheared off



I made reference in my post here about loosing track of the length of them, as the cone settle or rather sags, these should not be looked upon a means of compensating for that, as the cones bottom out on the subframe, as can be seen here



and it results in the Trailing Arm Pins breaking, this one was just caught in time



What's often overlooked here is 5 times what ever weight you have in the back is exerted as force on these parts. 2 people in the back of a Traveler, 200 kg isn't out of the question. Static, that's a tonne of force here. As you drive over coff coff,,,, modern roads, that only goes up.

If they are being fitted to lower the ride height, then use a saw and save your money.

[Dr.Mabo]

I never liked the idea of a simple extension bar for that distance.

This should transfere the forces to the rubber cone a lot better. Unfortunately, this HiLow kit is custom made.

IMG_7665.jpg

[Spider]

I never liked the idea of a simple extension bar for that distance.

This should transfere the forces to the rubber cone a lot better. Unfortunately, this HiLow kit is custom made.

Clever way of working from a stock trumpet, a little awkward to adjust though ?

I did make 4 of these a short while ago;-



I've also made a few different designs in the flanges to trial. The jury is still out on these though.

[Peter Laidler]

I like Doc Mabo's method/idea. The Doc and I discussed this earlier

But I'm a big believer in Ateichert fixing what you've got....... Machining new equal length struts to equalise everything is simple

[Dr.Mabo]

Clever way of working from a stock trumpet, a little awkward to adjust though ?

Not at all. They are adjustable under full load with weight on wheels, as discribed below.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=28477&start=510

[Gary Schulz]

Don't mean to hijack this thread but has anyone built hi-lows for hydrolastic suspension? Can you get enough adjustment out of a "custom" knuckle to make it useful? I was just toying with some ideas on how to get optimum ride height on a wet system. The rear would seem easy but not sure about the front.

[Spider]

Clever way of working from a stock trumpet, a little awkward to adjust though ?

Not at all. They are adjustable under full load with weight on wheels, as discribed below.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=28477&start=510

Yeah, fair enough ! I tend to forget too that saloons don't near have the rebound that I have set mine with. BTW, Nice looking car !!

[Fanfaniracing]

Bumpstops usually limit suspension travel in compression ... the dampers normally control the droop limit..... which is the critical issue.

Unless you are using the bumpstops upside down in some novel way???? Would be interesting to see.

Cheers, Ian

Like that:

E935E472-8698-4972-9362-74B276A244D3.jpeg

You can fit them in the Subframe. There are allready two holes. One locating hole and one for the screw